'Enmity exists only in skies'; Pakistan Defence Minister offers condolences to India over Tejas crash

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has expressed condolences over the death of the Indian pilot who died in the Dubai Airshow crash. He said that the hostility between the two countries exists “only in the skies.” Wing Commander Namansh Syal of the Indian Air Force died on Friday when the Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow.

'As Pakistan’s Strategic Forum, we offer our sincere condolences to the family of the Indian Air Force pilot, the Indian Air Force, and the people of India after the crash of the HAL LCA Tejas during the Dubai Airshow 2025,' Asif wrote on X.

Pakistan Strategic Forum is an agency of defence analysts that provides strategic and military insights to Pakistan and its allied partners.

Sharing the forum’s message, Asif said: 'Unfortunately, the pilot could not eject from the aircraft and could not survive the crash. Our enmity exists only in the skies. According to the principles of the Quran and Sunnah, we do not celebrate tragic events.' He ended the post saying, 'Salute beyond the skies, brave heart.'

His remarks come at a time when India–Pakistan relations have been tense following a conflict in May this year.

Pakistan Strategic Forum also posted a condolence message on X. 'We express our heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal in the Dubai Airshow crash. The loss of an aviator is a loss for the entire aerospace community, beyond borders and hostility. Our rivalry is only in the skies, not at airshows. On common ground, we stand united by our passion for flying and respect for those who push the limits. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his squadron during this difficult time,' the post said.